After a large-scale search began, authorities deployed drones and conducted ground sweeps, later widening their efforts to the wooded areas on and around the Middlebury College in Vermont.

Last Wednesday, October 22, the search was ramped up, drawing in multiple agencies including the Middlebury Fire Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team.

The search came to a heartbreaking end a day later, Thursday, October 23, when a body was found in a field near The Knoll, Middlebury College’s organic farm, at approximately 1:30 p.m.

The victim was soon identified as Smith, with an initial investigation finding no signs of foul play.

According to the aforementioned press release from the Vermont Police Department, the Vermont